10 Songs That Sound Better Live Than On Record

2. The Libertines - Can't Stand Me Now

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoLWztHVggg It's hard to imagine what would ever have become of The Libertines- they were never a band that you could see staying together for a sensible length of time, and yet Pete and Carl still suffer from the Morrissey/Marr, Lennon/McCartney juxtaposition that would see them doomed if together, dulled apart. The Lib's recorded output was always patchy, so weep not for the loss of a Truly Great Album, for it was destined never to be. They were always truly special live, however-mourn them for the loss of future moments as thrilling as their Reading performance in 2010. Can't Stand Me Now was always a highpoint of The Libertines' live shows, and Reading '10 was no different. The twin frontmen have certainly had their share of fraternal enmity over the years, but every shy, meaningful glance between the two onstage is loaded with reasons why they share a bond that may well be twisted and shunted, but never broken completely. They connect at a deep level, and the audience with them. Every word is roared back at them, like a large intervention group urging them to hug it out and sort their issues. If only to witness more performances that radiate pure belonging and kinship, this author certainly hopes that they do.